Energy Resource Conservation
What does this program do?
The Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) Program enables current Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers to make funds available to their consumers for energy conservation and renewable energy projects by deferring payment of principal and interest.
Who may apply?
- Participation in this program is limited to existing RUS borrowers with direct loans. Loans must not be Federal Financing Bank loan guarantees.
What are the terms?
- Terms of deferments vary based upon the principal balance and terms of the existing direct loans.
How may the funds be used?
- Amounts deferred in the ERC program can be used to cover the cost of labor and materials for energy conservation measures, and to finance renewable energy projects.
How do we get started?
Who can answer questions about this program?
- Contact the GFR who serves your area.
What governs this program?
- Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended in 7 U.S. C 901
- Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR 1721 Subpart B
Why does USDA Rural Development do this?
Nearly every rural electric cooperative utility nationwide has some form of energy efficiency program as part of its strategy to manage power costs, meet consumer demand and increase environmental regulatory compliance. Encouraging energy conservation and the use of renewable power sources have long been a part of the mission of the RUS Electric Program. The ERC program expands efforts to help consumers save money, reduce the need to purchase or generate energy, and reduce emissions from the generation of electricity.
Category: USDA Rural Development, Federal Incentives
What does this program do?
Support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels by paying advanced biofuel producers for finished advanced biofuel products
Who may apply?
Any entity that produces and sells advanced biofuel is eligible to apply. Eligible advanced biofuels:...
Learn More
What does this program do?
This program assists in the development, construction, and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies for advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products by providing loan guarantees up to $250 million.
Who may apply for this program?
Lenders with legal authority, sufficient experience...
Learn More
What does this program do?
This program bolsters the availability of private credit by guaranteeing loans for rural businesses.
Who may apply for this program?
Lenders with the legal authority, sufficient experience and financial strength to operate a successful lending program. This includes:...
Learn More
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. For example, this program can link teachers and medical service providers in...
Learn More
Who may apply for financing?
Energy project developers for distributed energy projects
Electric Program borrowers or other utilities that serve rural areas
How may funds be used?
For project loans, there are three typical situations:
Existing borrower (cooperative)...
Learn More
What does this program do?
Provides 1 percent low-interest loans to local intermediaries that re-lend to businesses to improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities.
Who may apply for this program?
The following are eligible to be an intermediary lender:...
Learn More
The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Broadband Program) furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas...
Learn More
What does this program do?
This program provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed venture capital organizations to help meet the equity capital investment needs in rural communities.
Who may apply for this program?
Eligible applicants for the...
Learn More
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate...
Learn More
What does this program do?
Provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.
Who may apply?
Agricultural producers with at least 50% of...
Learn More
What does the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program do?
Provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:
Provide microloans to help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund
Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs
Who may...
Learn More
What does this program do?
The primary objective of the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant program is to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups through cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a Notice published in the Federal Register and an announcement...
Learn More
Strategic Economic and Community Development is a Farm Bill provision that allows USDA to give priority for projects that support the implementation of regional economic development plans through the following four USDA Rural Development programs:
Community Facilities Loans, Grants and Loan Guarantees
Water...
Learn More
Announcement : Open Letter From Assistant Administrator(PDF) to all RUS Telecommunications Infrastructure Borrowers, Farm Bill Broadband Borrowers and Broadband Initiatives Program ("BIP") Borrowers ("Borrowers") that currently submit dual Operating Reports through the on-line Data Collection System ("DCS") and Borrower Collection and Analysis system ("BCAS").
Announcement : Effective October...
Learn More
What does this program do?
The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income...
Learn More